Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026
06:13
Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
Acute testosterone deprivation reduces insulin sensitivity in men
K B Rubinow1, C N Snyder, J K Amory
1Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Clinical Endocrinology
|July 30, 2011
Summary
Testosterone withdrawal significantly reduces insulin sensitivity in men, independent of body weight changes. Estradiol withdrawal had no effect, suggesting testosterone is key for maintaining insulin sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Androgen deprivation in prostate cancer patients is known to decrease insulin sensitivity.
- The specific roles of testosterone and estradiol in this process in men remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent effects of testosterone and estradiol on insulin sensitivity in healthy men.
- To determine which hormone, testosterone or estradiol, is primarily responsible for maintaining insulin sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- A placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving 22 healthy male volunteers aged 18-55.
- Experimental hypogonadism was induced using acyline, with groups receiving placebo, testosterone, or testosterone plus an aromatase inhibitor to reduce estradiol.
- Insulin, glucose, adipokines, and hormone levels were measured bi-weekly over 28 days.
Main Results:
- Testosterone withdrawal (>90% reduction) significantly increased fasting insulin concentrations and decreased insulin sensitivity indices (HOMA-IR, QUICKI).
- These changes occurred without alterations in body weight or fasting glucose.
- Maintaining physiologic testosterone levels, even with reduced estradiol, prevented changes in insulin sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Acute testosterone withdrawal impairs insulin sensitivity in men, irrespective of body weight.
- Estradiol withdrawal does not affect insulin sensitivity.
- Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining insulin sensitivity in healthy men.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:26Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
01:22Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
01:19Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations
Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.